KVREMC replaces power poles for many reasons, including age, to help keep electricity flowing reliably to your home.

You probably don’t pay much attention to the utility poles found throughout Kankakee Valley REMC’s service territory. But, did you know these tall structures are the backbone of our distribution network?

Strong, sturdy utility poles ensure a reliable electric system, which is why we routinely inspect the thousands of poles found on our lines. Throughout the year, our crews inspect poles for visible signs of wear and tear. We conduct inspections through a rotational process on a geographic basis. Typically, a standard wooden distribution pole is expected to last more than 50 years.

Occasionally, poles need to be replaced for other reasons. Weather disasters, power line relocations and car crashes are other potential causes for replacement. Whenever possible, Kankakee Valley REMC communicates when and where pole replacements will take place. This allows you to stay informed of where crews will be working or when we might need to interrupt your service to safely replace a pole.

Here is a quick breakdown of how crews replace a utility pole: When a pole needs to be replaced, crews will start the process by fitting the new pole with bolts, cross arms, insulators, ground wires and cross arm braces, if needed — all of the necessary parts for delivering safe and reliable electricity. Next, the crews will safely detach the lines from the old pole and remove the old pole. Then crews will dig a new hole in the same spot or directly next to the old one. The new pole is then raised and guided carefully into position and the lines are attached, leaving the new pole to do its job.

So, the next time you come across a Kankakee Valley REMC crew replacing a pole, use caution and know that this process ensures a more reliable electric system for you, our members.